Use of Simulation in Educating Caregivers of Children With Tracheostomies: A Scoping Review

Simulation-based training is increasingly used to prepare family caregivers of children with tracheostomies for the complex demands of home care. This scoping review synthesized 11 United States-based studies published between 2013 and 2024, examining simulation program components, instructional strategies, and reported outcomes. Most programs incorporated high-fidelity simulations before discharge and focused on emergency preparedness and routine care. Reported outcomes included improvements in caregiver confidence, knowledge, and satisfaction, though few studies used validated tools or assessed long-term competency. Gaps in demographic reporting, theoretical grounding, outcome measures, and equitable access were common. Findings underscore the need for standardized, theory-informed, and inclusive simulation curricula that reflect caregiver diversity and real-world challenges. Future research should explore sustained postdischarge education, develop validated outcome measures, and inform national guidelines that promote safe, effective, and equitable caregiver training for children with tracheostomies.